D.C. Celebrates 50 Years of Pride with Historic Flag Raising

Washington D.C. Celebrates 50 Years of Pride with Flag Raising Ceremony Washington, D.C. - On May 30, 2025, the city of Washington, D.C., marked the 50th anniversary of Pride with a flag-raising ceremony at the John A. Wilson Building. The event drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, reflecting the significance of the milestone. Mayor Muriel Bowser addressed the attendees, stating, "Happy World Pride in the gayest city in the world!" Her remarks set a celebratory tone, while other speakers emphasized the ongoing need for activism and resistance to injustice. June Crenshaw, Capital Pride Alliance deputy director, spoke about the importance of remembering past struggles and continuing the fight for equality. She said, "As we gather to raise the Pride flag in celebration of World Pride and in remembrance of resistance to injustices that still exist, we're making a powerful statement of resiliency and unity in the face of adversity." This sentiment was echoed by Ryan Bos, Capital Pride Alliance executive director, who highlighted Pride as "a protest, one of resilience, one of defiance, and one of joy." The dual nature of Pride as both celebration and protest was a recurring theme throughout the event. The raising of the Pride flag alongside the American flag served as a powerful visual symbol of the city's commitment to inclusivity and equality. The event was a testament to the progress made by the LGBTQ+ community, while also serving as a reminder of the continued fight for full equality and acceptance.